740.00115 European War 1939/499: Telegram

The Consul General at Beirut ( Palmer ) to the Secretary of State

70. In response to an inquiry by the British Consul General, following a tip to the British Passport Officer by a personal friend in the Sûreté Général that British males under 50 would no longer be permitted to leave Lebanon and Syria, the Chief of the Political Bureau of the French High Commission yesterday confirmed the receipt of telegraphic instructions from Vichy, effective immediately, prohibiting the departure of all British, Dutch, Belgians, Czechs, Poles and Austrians of military age.

A request by the British Consul General for a 48-hour period of grace was neither granted nor refused but he was given to understand that if persons affected should apply this morning for exit permits these would be issued.

Notwithstanding British Consul General’s representations two prominent members of the local British community traveling to Palestine and Egypt on business were turned back yesterday afternoon by the French authorities at the Palestine frontier although provided with the customary permits from the Sûrété Général for departure and return.

This action by the French Government, apparently a complete surprise to High Commissioner Puaux, is interpreted by many as preliminary to the arrival of a German and Italian commission, rumors of which he has consistently denied but the imminence of which is suggested by letters recently received here from the former Italian Consul General.

Palmer